Methods and Systems for Detecting a Closure and/or Opening of a Navigable Element

Abstract

A method of detecting the closure and/or opening of a navigable element forming part of a network of navigable elements within a geographic area. A passability parameter is associated with each segment of an electronic map representing the navigable network and indicates a likelihood of closure of the element represented by the segment. The value of the passability parameter decays over time. When a device is detected on the element represented by the segment, the passability parameter is increased, and when a closure report is received relating to the segment, the parameter is decreased. In one set of embodiments, when the passability parameter decreases below a first threshold value, the element represented by the segment is determined to be potentially closed. In another set of embodiments, when the passability parameter increases above a second threshold value, the closed element represented by the segment is determined to be opened.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to methods and systems for detecting the closure and / or opening of a navigable element, e.g. road element, in a navigable network of navigable elements, e.g. a road network.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Obtaining information about closures of navigable elements, e.g. roads of a road network, is important in a navigation system. The presence of a road closure has a significant impact upon routing through the road network. A road closure may be likened to a traffic jam associated with an “infinite delay”, such that an alternative routing must be determined to avoid the affected road element(s). Knowledge of the existence of a road closure is of importance to road users even if they are not following a pre-calculated route. For example, if a user is following a familiar route, it is still useful for them to be aware if a road closure is present affecting the route so that they may determine an alternative route, with or witho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0038]Preferably the method comprises modifying the value of the passability parameter so that the likelihood of the element being closed as indicated by the passability parameter decreases each time a device is detected on the element represented by the segment. The detection of each device may provide another discrete step in the value of the parameter. Preferably the method comprises modifying the value of the passability parameter so that the likelihood of the element being closed as indicated by the passability parameter increases each time a closure report is received indicating the closure of an element represented by the segment. The detection of each device or the receipt of each report may provide another discrete step in the value of the parameter.

[0039]The passability parameter may be such that higher values of the parameter indicate a greater likelihood of closure of the element, and lower values a lesser likelihood of closure of the element, or vice versa. Modifying the value of the parameter to indicate an increased likelihood of closure may therefore involve increasing or decreasing the value of the parameter, and vice versa when modifying the value of the parameter to indicate a decreased likelihood of closure.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are some drawbacks in relying upon third party data relating to road closures, since such data is not always accurate, and may not be up to date.

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